But when they turned their course, and swiftly ran Back to the hoary deep to close the course, Well did the skill of every chief appear. They put their horses to the utmost speed, And then did the quick-footed steeds that drew Eumelus bear him on beyond the rest. But with his Trojan coursers Diomed Came next, so near it seemed that they would mount The car before them, and upon the back. And ample shoulders of Eumelus smote Their steaming breath; for as they ran their heads Leaned over him. And then would Diomed Have passed him by, or would at least have made The victory doubtful, had not Phoebus struck, In his displeasure, from the hero’s hand The shining scourge. It fell, and to his eyes Started indignant tears; for now he saw The others gaining on him, while the speed Of his own steeds, which feared the lash no more, Was slackened. Yet Apollo’s stratagem Was not unseen by Pallas, who o’ertook The shepherd of the people, and restored The scourge he dropped, and put into his steeds New spirit. In her anger she approached